In recent years, Ethiopia has made significant efforts toward cultivating sustainable peace within the country. These efforts have been crucial in fostering unity, reconciliation, and development across various regions. One of the key peace building initiatives in Ethiopia is the promotion of dialogue and conflict resolution from the national to the community level.
Therefore, efforts are being made to address historical injustices and traumas, bringing together individuals and communities to acknowledge past grievances and move toward forgiveness and healing.
To realize these efforts, one of the essential initiatives is the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC), which was established some years before. Currently, the Commission is making successive strides to bring about a tangible dialogue among every stakeholder. The Commission has been set up to provide a platform for victims and other stakeholders to share their stories and seek reconciliation. By confronting the past and working towards forgiveness, The Commission is paving the way that leads for a more peaceful and harmonious future.
It is obvious that local peace committees (Ye Hager Shimagile) have been contributing significantly to address conflicts and grievances before they escalate, helping to foster understanding and peaceful coexistence among diverse ethnic groups in the countryside.
Additionally, the Ethiopian government has been working to promote inclusivity and diversity in decision-making processes. By ensuring that all voices are heard and represented, the government is creating a more equitable and just society where all individuals feel valued and included. Accordingly, ENDC is striving to create conducive conditions for national consensus by identifying the root causes of deep division and discord among the Ethiopian society through research, and public dialogues, conducting national dialogue and presenting recommendations to the concerned bodies as well as designing the implementations monitoring system thereof.
Recently, the Commission announced that preparations are finalized to commence agenda identification process in Adama City, Oromia State.
As part of this, the Commission held agenda identification consultative meeting with stakeholders and information dissemination campaign through various platforms.
The forum is said vital to enhance the awareness of participants regarding the significance of the dialogue, the activities being carried out so far in terms of identifying and organizing agendas that have greater regional and national importance and enhance participation.
At the forum, government officials, political party leaders, influential individuals, civic associations and from three government institutions took part.
Accordingly, participants received a detailed explanation about the nature, importance, and process of the national dialogue.
Speaking on the occasion, Commission’s Chief Coordinator of Agenda Gathering Forum in Oromia State, Bizuneh Assefa urged participants of the forum to seize the opportunity properly and present their agendas and citizens participate at the dialogue process actively.
Regarding the technical aspects of the agenda, stakeholders raised questions, and these were addressed in detail during the session, the Commission reported.
Similarly, scholars from Adama Science and Technology University also confirmed that they have made the necessary arrangements to coordinate the agenda identification forum in the Oromia State.
Recently, a new peace building project was launched aimed at rebuilding trust and promote dialogue in Tigray, Amhara and Benishangul Gumuz regions. The project is supported by World Vision Ethiopia in partnership with the European Union (EU).
Accordingly, this two-million Euro project aimed at rebuilding trust and promoting dialogue in the three Ethiopian regions.
The 18-month project is also anticipated to promote dialogue in these communities and establish sustainable conflict prevention mechanisms across 12 targeted districts in the regions.
The peace building project is expected to directly benefit over 35,000 people, including 30,000 people impacted by conflict, 1,200 youth peace builders and 1,200 faith leaders, according to World Vision Ethiopia.
Speaking at the launching ceremony, State Minister of Peace Kayredin Tezera said the main objective of the project is supporting Ethiopia’s culture of resolving conflicts through dialogue.
The State Minister commended the role of World Vision Ethiopia for its continued support and he reaffirmed the government’s readiness to continue working in close collaboration for the realization of the new project.
National Director of World Vision Ethiopia, Karmen Till underscored the new peace building project aims to create greater impact by empowering communities, particularly youth to lead peace building efforts.
“By strengthening dialogue and inclusive peace structures, we can contribute to lasting stability that aligns with government initiatives.”
This specific project is crucial in contributing to the wider peace agenda of Ethiopia, she said, adding peace is the number one agenda around the world and in Ethiopia.
Similarly, EU Deputy Head of Delegation, David Krivanek said launching this project is a crucial step towards addressing one of the most pressing challenges as the need for enduring peace through trust, mutual understanding and dialogue is essential.
Noting that the project funded by the European Union and implemented by World Vision embodied a shared vision for peace building, he said through collaborative efforts capacity building, and dialogue promotion, we aim to make a significant contribution in three key areas.
The project also aims to de-escalate tensions, build trust, and foster social cohesion among conflict-affected communities in 12 districts across Tigray, Amhara and Benishangul Gumuz regions, it was indicated.
The representatives of Tigray, Benishangul Gumuz and Amhara regional states for their parts expressed their readiness to collaborate with pertinent stakeholders for the implementation of the project as peace is the foundation of everything.
The project is also said it will be enhancing the capacity of local governments to effectively manage conflicts and provide youth with constructive avenues to actively engage in peace building efforts, it was indicated.
Moreover, economic development plays a crucial role in sustaining peace in Ethiopia. By investing in infrastructure, education, and job creation, the government is undertaking enormous efforts towards addressing root causes of conflict such as poverty, unemployment, and inequality. Thus, creating job opportunities for numerous youths and women enables solve their grievances and contribute their part in the peace building process.
In sum, Ethiopia is also working closely with international partners and organizations to promote peace and stability within the region. By collaborating with neighboring countries and international actors, Ethiopia is seeking to address cross-border conflicts and promote regional cooperation. The efforts to cultivate sustainable peace in Ethiopia are multifaceted and require a comprehensive approach.
By promoting dialogue, reconciliation, economic development, and international partnerships, Ethiopia is making significant strides towards creating a more peaceful and prosperous society for all its citizens. With continued commitment and collaboration, sustainable peace in Ethiopia can be achieved, paving the way for a brighter future for the country and its people.
BY TEWODROS KASSA
The Ethiopian Herald December 15/2014
